By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has described the 2025 budget, aptly christened the “Budget of Recovery,” as a bold and strategic step towards rebuilding the state’s economy and addressing critical socio-economic challenges.

The Governor made this remark during the signing of the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, a significant milestone in delivering on the promises he made to the people of Ondo State during the electioneering process.

The signing ceremony, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Akure, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, state lawmakers, members of the executive council, and other key stakeholders.

The budget, totalling N698.659 billion, allocates N433.622 billion (62.06%) to capital expenditure and N265.037 billion (37.94%) to recurrent expenditure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa explained the deliberate prioritisation of capital development, stating that the primary objective of the budget is to improve the lives of the people.

The Governor emphasised that the budget reflects the collective aspirations of Ondo State residents, noting that it was crafted with inputs from stakeholders during town hall meetings across the state.

Highlighting the administration’s priorities, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the 2025 budget allocates significant resources to agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and social welfare. He described these allocations as investments in the lives of the people.

Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline, stressing the importance of efficient use of resources.

To ensure accessibility and compliance, the Governor announced that the 2025 budget would be available on the state’s budget portal from 1 January 2025.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted plans to strengthen the Ondo State Bureau of Statistics to provide timely and accurate data for policy formulation and implementation.

He further stated that the 2025 budget is a tool for achieving the Odatiwa Odirorun (OUR EASE) goals, ensuring its implementation is carried out with utmost responsibility and efficiency.

Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the Ondo State House of Assembly for their dedication and partnership in passing the budget, praising their exemplary diligence and scrutiny.

He also commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, and security agencies for maintaining peace in the state, urging all stakeholders to continue their support.

The Governor expressed optimism for a brighter future for Ondo State, assuring the people of his administration’s focus on economic development, sustainable food security, resilient community development, and social inclusion.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to advancing critical sectors of the state’s economy.

He noted that the upward revision of the budget from N655.230 billion to N698.659 billion reflects the administration’s determination to meet the growing needs of the state.

The Speaker also commended the Governor for signing into law several key legislative frameworks, including the Agriculture Law, Transparency Law, Building Plans Law, and the Anti-Land Grabbing Law.

He emphasised that these laws represent significant strides in promoting good governance, fostering economic growth, and ensuring social justice across Ondo State.

According to Oladiji, these legislative reforms will not only create a conducive environment for sustainable development but also safeguard the rights and interests of the people, particularly in areas such as land ownership, urban planning, and accountability in governance.

The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the Governor’s developmental agenda, urging all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the effective implementation of these transformative initiatives.